For the first time since China launched its economic outreach in the Americas 20 years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic has compelled the United States to work with hemispheric neighbors to reduce their dependence on Beijing. Bolstering investment in pharmaceutical research and production in the U.S. and in nearby countries will cultivate more secure sources for vaccines, therapeutics, and other critical goods. Regional manufacturers of all kinds can reduce costs and optimize their supply chains by sourcing production and assembly closer to home, generating jobs and economic stability as the region looks to rebound.

Even before the dispute with China over the lack of transparency regarding the COVID-19 virus, that country’s exploitative mercantile model was a source of unease in the Americas. Brazilians learned the costs of overdependence on Chinese demand when their economy was sent into recession 10 years ago when exports plummeted. Ecuador, which became indebted to China, has been struggling to restore fiscal order and service its debt. China has devoured Venezuelan assets after bankrolling a dictatorship that has wrecked the country.